The name “Paperclip Thinking” was inspired by a long running study focused on divergent thinking. The question... "how many ways could you use a paperclip?", was used in a longitudinal study from the late 70’s. A sample size of 1600 five year-old children were asked this question and then the same question was asked as they turned ten, fifteen, and for the last time, during adult-hood.  Ninety Eight percent of the five year old children were genius level divergent thinkers and by the time the children were adults, genius level divergent thinking dropped to two percent. What was happening? Was this inability to think broadly and divergently happening to me too? Is this why it’s so hard to find work? Is this why it can be such a challenge to find “that perfect fit”? Does looking for your first career or your next career move really have to be stressful and painful?   

How many ways could we be more productive?

 How many ways could we take more accountability in our lives?

How many ways could we become more creative and innovative?

 This is Paperclip Thinking.